Head of Support Services

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a prominent humanitarian non-governmental organization (NGO) that has been operational since 195

• With a mission to provide assistance and protection to refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and vulnerable local populations, DRC operates in over 30 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on delivering integrated support across various sectors, including protection, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, livelihoods, water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), and disaster preparedness. DRC is committed to upholding the highest standards of accountability and transparency in its operations, ensuring that aid reaches those in need effectively and efficiently. The organization employs thousands of staff globally, working collaboratively with local communities and authorities to address the challenges faced by displaced populations and host communities alike.

Job Overview:
The Head of Support Services (HoSS) plays a critical role in the Danish Refugee Council's operations in Venezuela, providing strategic leadership and oversight of all support functions. This position is based in Caracas and is integral to ensuring that the organization's operations are efficient, compliant, and accountable. The HoSS is a key member of the Senior Management Team, leading various departments including Finance, Human Resources, Supply Chain and Procurement, Administration, IT, and Risk & Compliance. The role involves translating organizational priorities into effective operational plans and systems, contributing to the development and implementation of country strategies, and ensuring that support teams are well-coordinated and aligned with national authorities on regulatory and compliance matters. The HoSS must be a strategic and solutions-oriented leader, capable of making sound decisions in dynamic environments while driving continuous improvement and maintaining high standards of accountability and transparency.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Head of Support Services include:

• Management: Lead and manage support managers, ensuring high-quality approaches are maintained. Oversee the delivery and reporting of current operations programme support in Venezuela. Establish high-performing support teams and develop operational approaches, compliance, and systems.
• Operational Management: Support the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director and Senior Management Team in liaising with donors and national authorities on compliance, registration, taxation, and law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">labour law. Oversee operational support units, ensuring adherence to DRC’s operational standards.
• Financial Management: Lead treasury, cash, and liquidity management in a multi-currency environment, ensuring compliance with national regulations and DRC procedures.
• Risk Management: Develop and maintain a country risk register and risk management plan, identifying major risks and implementing mitigation measures.
• Capacity Building: Build the capacity of operational support staff through training and mentoring.
• Compliance: Ensure systematic compliance with regulatory requirements and maintain DRC’s legal registration and tax compliance.
• Emergency Response: Ensure operational readiness for emergency response and manage support functions during crises.
• Audit Management: Lead internal, donor, and statutory audits, ensuring timely closure of audit recommendations.
• Team Leadership: Provide leadership and direction to support teams, ensuring clarity of roles and performance standards. 1
• Technical Supervision: Provide technical direction and guidance to ensure compliance with DRC policies and standards.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Head of Support Services position include:

• At least 7 years of experience in a relevant field, with a minimum of 4 years in people management.
• Experience in a similar role within an international NGO.
• Proven leadership skills and competence in managing diverse teams.
• Significant operational management experience in complex environments, including financial, logistical, and compliance aspects.
• Strong financial management skills, including treasury and cash management in multi-currency settings.
• Experience in procurement and tender processes, as well as institutional fundraising.
• Familiarity with ERP systems, particularly in finance, supply chain, and HR.
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure and manage compliance across a multi-donor portfolio.
• Experience in business continuity planning and crisis management.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Head of Support Services position should possess a Master’s degree in business administration, finance, supply chain management, international development, economics, or a related field. Additionally, a professional qualification in accounting, audit, or supply chain management (such as ACCA, CIMA, CPA, or CIPS) is considered an asset. Equivalent professional experience in support services management within complex operations may also be taken into account.

Experience:
The position requires at least 7 years of relevant experience, with a minimum of 4 years in a managerial role overseeing people and operations. Candidates should have experience in a similar role within an international NGO, demonstrating proven leadership skills and operational management capabilities in large and complex environments. Experience in managing financial, logistical, and compliance aspects in multi-currency settings is essential, as well as familiarity with procurement processes and institutional fundraising.

Languages:
Full professional proficiency in both English and Spanish is mandatory for this position. This bilingual requirement is crucial for effective communication within the organization and with external stakeholders, including donors and national authorities. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a one-year contract that is renewable based on funding availability and satisfactory performance. The salary is under the band E Management, level 1, and terms of employment will be applicable for either national or expatriate staff, as relevant. Health insurance is provided as part of the employment package. The application process requires candidates to upload a cover letter and an updated CV in English or Spanish on the DRC employment platform, with applications sent via email not being considered. The application deadline is set for Wednesday, September 16 at 11:59 am local time, with the possibility of early closure if a suitable candidate is identified before the deadline. The start date for the position is as soon as possible.